925.295.1036

Finding a therapist isn't always easy. As with many professional relationships, it's important to find someone you will "click with"; someone who will treat your struggles gently and with respect and understanding. You want that, and I want that for you as well.

In my private practice, I work closely with my clients as they share their deepest and most vulnerable thoughts and experiences. In the privacy and confidentiality of my office, you will explore and navigate your life's twists and turns. I am always honored and humbled to be a part of that process. I strive to treat my clients with the respect, non-judgement, and genuine concern that I would offer to my own family.

{ What To Expect }

I am a very interactive therapist, which means you will get more than a lot of head nodding from me. I keep things moving along, edging towards your goals, calling you on things that are in conflict with what you say you want, and helping guide you to a place where you can experience the "aha" moments that make therapy an amazing experience. You and I will both work hard during our sessions together, and you'll leave my office with plenty to think about and explore.

As we journey through life, we all bump up against obstacles, old patterns, deep unresolved hurts, and newly discovered vulnerabilities.

For Men: Issues Unique to You

As a male growing up in our society, you have been taught many things about what it means to "be a man." Some of these things may include squashing your emotional self, and being strong ("the rock") for your family. Men suffer with high rates of depression and anxiety that can often be linked to these old messages of having to shut down disappointment, overwhelm, sadness, and fear. If you're like many men, you have been taught that it's bad/weak to be "needy" and that it's unmanly to talk about (or show) your emotions.

For you, therapy is a place to explore these societal, cultural, or familial expectations. Perhaps this is the time in your life when you're ready to question what you've always believed, and to finally have a safe space to talk about your inner world — your unique stressors, desires, longings for belonging and attachment.

The choices you are making in your life have a lot to do with the models for attachment that you grew up with. How you saw your parents treat each other; whether or not they were a source of comfort for you; the messages they gave you about the role of men in relationships — all of these things are at play here and now, perhaps creating conflict or unmet needs for closeness. Therapy is not about "blaming" the past; rather, it is a place where you can put together pieces of a puzzle that can help guide you in the present, leading you to resolving long-lasting patterns that keep you from having the life you want.

"It is a mistake for anyone to think he has lived too long in his old, unsatisfactory ways to make the great change. If you switch on the light in a dark room, it makes no difference how long it was dark because the light will still shine. Be teachable. That is the whole secret." ~ Vernon Howard

Couples / Relationship Therapy

Choosing a Psychotherapist is a Very Personal Decision.

The confidential relationship that you have with your therapist should be one in which you feel heard, understood, and safe. I recognize that each client is unique and I remain flexible in the way that I work.

FEES:

Therapy is generally once per week, although crisis times may be best served by more frequent therapy. I am currently accepting new clients and look forward to speaking with you.

INSURANCE:

I am an out-of-network provider which means that you may or may not be able to receive some reimbursement, depending on your provider and your plan. I DO NOT offer insurance billing; however I am happy to provide you with a monthly receipt for your sessions. That receipt will include a diagnosis code, and everything necessary for your insurance company to process the claim, if they cover out-of-network providers. Note that many insurance providers do NOT reimburse for couples therapy.

SKYPE (online) Therapy

I offer ONLINE therapy sessions for clients who live within the state of California. The fees for online sessions are the same as for in-person sessions, and are paid via PayPal. Clients must first meet for several sessions in person and be properly assessed before it is determined that online therapy is an appropriate choice. For more information about setting up online therapy sessions, please contact me at 925-295-1036.

The Obstacle Is The Path

Every challenging situation in our lives presents us with an opportunity -- to gain insight, to enrich our understanding of ourselves and others, to seek purpose in our lives, or to create more satisfying relationships.

Professional Affiliations:ICEEFT - International Center for Excellent in Emotionally Focused TherapyCalifornia Association of Marriage & Family Therapists (CAMFT) East Bay California Association of Marriage & Family Therapists

Office located in San Ramon, California - Contra Costa County, East Bay Area